7 Top Tips for Exhibiting at a Trade Show or Conference
Exhibiting at a trade show or conference this year? If you’re booked onto an event, how can you make sure your business stands out from the crowd? We have put together our top 7 tips to help you make the most of your event, including creative ways you can create an eye-popping stand that will literally stop people in their tracks…
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Bold and Vibrant Banners
The biggest feature on your stand to attract people’s attention should be your banner. Depending on the size of your stand, you may even want to invest in two pop-up banners either side, which could display different messages. For example, if you offer a range of services, or you have different areas of your business, you could focus each banner on a specific set of services. Make sure your contact details are easy to see and always include a catchy strapline, so people walk away remembering exactly who you are and what you do.
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Punchy Printed Information
The next thing to consider is the information you’ll be giving out. Make sure all of your printed materials are consistent from a brand perspective – this includes business cards, brochures, postcards and leaflets. You could produce an information pack using a folder containing inserts for every product or service you provide. This will give you more space to go into further detail and to promote the benefits of what you are offering. Plus, you can tailor each pack to the person’s interests, which saves you having to re-print the entire brochure from scratch. Always look at the quality and thickness of the printed materials you give out – cheap, thin card or paper could give the impression your services are cheap too.
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Show Stopping Business Cards and Leaflets
How engaging are your leaflets and business cards? Why not consider something a bit different? Do away with boring rectangles and try an interesting shape from your logo (see image). Or, you could print a run of ‘pop out’ business cards or ‘flipping’ cards (see images below). The more exciting your promotional materials are, the more people will remember you – you want to be their first port of call when they need your services.
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Get Creative with Giveaways
Have you thought about giveaways? You could give visitors to your stand branded notebooks with your details on. Or, maybe consider printed coasters, mouse mats, placemats, fridge magnets, phone cases, key rings, desk tidies… the world really is your oyster! Why not consider cutting shapes into your promotional items with a laser cutter or engrave into hard materials such as wood? Have you heard of ‘dye sublimation’? This is where dye is transferred onto plastic, wood or fabric and can create a wonderful effect for any branded giveaways you’re considering. Ask your local printer for more details.
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Memorable Mementos
A really creative and fun idea is to create a selfie frame with your branding on. Take a photo of your visitor, maybe use some fun disguises or fancy dress, and then take a photo for the frame. You could even have this printed on a coaster, mouse mat or placemat and then send this to your visitor after the event, giving them a reminder of the day. Plus, this allows for data capture as they’ll have to complete a form or leave their business card with you. Don’t forget to add your branding! What’s more, with their permission, you could add the photos to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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Branded bags
How are people going to take your promotional materials away? Why not consider branded paper carrier bags proudly displaying your business name? This is a brilliant piece of advertising – as people walk around the event, everyone will see your business name – and after they’ve left the building too.
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Event Planning & Promotion
How far in advance should you plan for a trade show or conference? This all depends on your needs. We recommend planning at least 6 weeks prior to your event. This should include an outline of what you want to achieve. Think about what you’re promoting – do you have any special offers for the event? Tie in any giveaways around your promotion. This will also help to create any key words you can use on social media throughout your promotion. At this stage, start organising your graphics and pick a designer to create eye-catching banners and booklets. Always keep your branding and any related key words prominent on any printed materials you’ll be using.
On the run-up to your event, when you’re only 4 weeks away, this is the time to discuss your needs with your printer. They will look at what you’re trying to achieve and give lead times for delivery, so you are ready when the date comes around. Some printers will be only too happy to fulfil your goody bags too, so give them enough time before your event so you can get everything ready. The more prepared you are, the less stress you will have on the day. Your printer should be able to deliver your promotional items directly to the venue – this is especially important if you have a very large order or you’re travelling by train.
We hope your event goes well and that you make lots of valuable business contacts.
If you need print and promotional items for a show or conference, please get in touch or give us a call on 0116 253 1222 – we’d love to talk to you about your event.
